The Runyan Family

2011-05-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

It might be bias but I think John might be the cutest cowboy around. Our ward had it's 1st Birthday party on Saturday so they had a big party at the Redd's house. With lots of everything Western. JoJo was sick so I stayed home with him & Gracie, and let Todd take the Sheriff to the party. They had a blast. I really LOVE our ward, how down to earth everyone is. I feel very luck to be apart of it.

Easter

2011-05-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

Easter 2011

I can't believe Easter has already come and gone. It was a fun Easter with John so excited for the Easter Bunny to visit. We really did try to teach him what Easter really is about, and I hope it kinda sunk in but he was in LOVE with finding Easter eggs & his Easter basket. JoJo was less interested but did find an egg this year. We have 8:00am church this year so we were out hunting eggs around 6:00am. It made for a long day but a good one. We had a low key dinner with some of Todd's family at Stacey's. It's always good to see them & be with them. We had a awesome dinner & a egg hunt there as well. It was a great day, spent with family and time reflecting on our Saviors resurrection. I know he lives! JoJo at the Jones, with his i-pad in hand watching netflix.

John on the look for more eggs!

John & is Easter prizes.

Gracie

John loved every second of finding easter eggs.

Me & my precious.

JoJo Easter morning

John & his Easter basket. He is obessed with spiderman & ironman right now.

coloring easter eggs with Roni

JoJo' Easter attire

almost dressed

by the time we got to church JoJo had stripped, this is a regular sitiuation. Todd trying to get him dressed. I wonder what people think of us?

Can she really get any CUTER???

Easter Boy!

2011-05-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

SWIMMING BEGINS!!!

It's already started, we are back at the pool! It's ice cold but I'm kids still want to go. Gracie even loves it & screams when we take her out of the water. She fits just perfect in our family, she is going to LOVE the water like her brothers. We found out some good news this weekend, they just heated our pool, so I'm sure they will enjoy it even more!

2011-05-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Baptism
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to part of my neighbors baptism. It was amazing. seeing my neighbors who I love all in white ready to follow our Saviors example and be baptized. I love these girls, we have become so close & I think the world of them all. I was able to give a talk at there baptism about the Holy Ghost & today at church hear the beautiful blessing given to them after they received the Holy Ghost. It was awesome. I love this gospel so much, it amazing to see the change the gospel has on everyone. Most of the discussions took place at my house which was such a honor to be apart of. The gospel makes you happy, its brings you peace. Todd was able to baptized Emery, she is 14 and a beautiful girl. (can I say teenager though) oh the drama about people watching her get baptized, but she overcame it & did it and I'm so proud of her.

Todd with Emery, Cheryl, Bailey, & Roni

Todd & Emery

Lindsey, Cheryl, & Emery

2011-04-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

BIG BOY!!

Guess Who is finally a BIG BOY!!!! YUP at the ripe old age of 4!!! Finally on his 4th birthday I had to put my foot down, I needed some big leverage. So what finally worked? Telling him no birthday party till her was fully potty trained. It worked!!! I couldn't believe it. I have tried everything & he just didn't care. He wanted to be like his big brother JoJo & wear diapers. I thought I was doomed to have 3 kids in diapers forever!!! So long story short, he is fully potty trained & is having his birthday party on Tuesday!!! It feels SO GOOD!!!

2011-04-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

SPRING

We have been living outside, its the best when you have the best neighbors & kids all around to play with. I love to lay out a blanket & watch the kids play while visiting with my neighbors. It really is the best & I'm so grateful I can do this.

What Happened???

2011-04-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know what happened. One minute she was our little sweet princess & the next she was our naughty one. She is BUSY,BUSY,BUSY. Always on the go. The minute I have the dishwasher open she crawls as fast as she can to climb up and start undoing what I'm doing. She is getting lost of sass. I've decided its just not in the cards for us to have a calm child. Must be the mixture of DNA. She keeps us laughing & makes sure she is not missing out on anything. She loves drinks of anything. If she sees you drinking something you can be sure she will start her yell & come straight for you. Gracie can hold her own with her Brothers and gets right up in all their business. She a cutie, just a naughty one. We love her.

Catch up!

2011-04-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas!

In February my Mom, John, Gracie, and I took a trip to Henderson, NV to stay with Trevor's kids while they went on a cruise. It was such a fun trip, I have the cutest nieces ever. I loved being able to be around them. While I was there two of my best friends came to stay with me. Valerie Clawson (AKA Biggy, mission comp) & Kim Jenson ( we met in 7th grade @ EFY & have stayed close friends ever since.) These gals loaded in a car not knowing each other & made the 5 hour drive to come spend my 31st Birthday weekend with me. I loved having them. Then I jumped in my van with only Gracie leaving my mom to watch John & Trevors girls while I made a quick 2 day trip to Utah to see my mission sisters. It was so great to see them all, we made a trip to see Pres & Sister Park as well. It was so good to see them & get to visit with them. I really had the greatest mission with the best sisters in the world. Of course I didn't take one picture on this trip, but my cute niece Brighton took a picture of Gracie as they sneaked her, her very first ice cream cone!!!!

Daddy would FREAK!!! That's why, "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!"

2011-01-23T11:39:00.000-08:00

If anyone was wondering....... I'm still obsessed!!!

2011-01-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

DragonTree Ave

We live on the best street, I just love it. We have so many kids for John to play with. Everyday after school they all go outside & ride their bikes & have so much fun. Even JoJo loves to be outside with all the kids. Its fun for us adults too, we can watch our kids have a blast & visit at the same time. Every time I curse my stairs & wish we would have paid a little bit more for a one level I remember all the kids & my wonderful neighbors. I really do love this street!

John giving one of his million face expressions

Gracie loves to be out with the kids too

JoJo having fun

John & Bailey. Bailey lives across the street from us & comes over almost everyday to play. One day she was knocking on the door & John said, "Mom its my best friend Baily." My heart melted.
Bailey, Grace, & Ronni
Roni is Baileys sister & they love Gracie & love to help to care of her.

John & Ronni

This is the group of kids that are always out playing. They are the cutest & we are so grateful for such great kids to live by. We love them all. ( they are doing funny faces in this pic)

Now just sweet smiles!

2011-01-23T10:56:00.000-08:00

SICK BOY

John was sick this past week, he caught the 24 hour flu. He was throwing up all night but by morning he was feeling a little bit better, enough for him to love me spoiling him. When I was growing up my mom always spoiled me rotten when I was sick. She would go get me whatever I wanted. So I have passed down that tradition & I think John is all about it. He wanted a pop & a movie. So we went to sonic and got him a sprite & then Santa Paws for him to watch. Later that day he told me wanted more pop & pizza. Who knows why pizza when he was just throwing up but I heeded the call & got him pizza & more pop. He is really fun to spoil because he loves it so much. Later in the week we were headed to Disney on Ice with JoJo & John, & JoJo started throwing up in the car. (NOT SO FUN) Poor JoJo got the flu too, but he is harder to spoil, just kind of wants to be left alone.

2011-01-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

Dawson & JoJo

I had to document this story so I wouldn't forget it. It's the sweetest & has made such an impact on me. My neighbor that lives across the street Jan (who I LOVE) has such a sweet family, & this is her son Dawson. He is so incredibly sweet to JoJo, always making sure he is alright & having fun. One night Jan was over visiting & told me a story about Dawson. Dawson had asked his Mom if she could have anything in this world for Christmas with no stipulations what would it be. She couldn't really think of anything & then she asked him what he would want. He told her he would want JoJo to have a voice. ( Let the tears begin) I know, I can't believe a 10 year old boy would be so sweet to want JoJo to be able to talk. I am so grateful to live by such a wonderful boy who has a heart of gold. I can't wait for the day when JoJo will get his voice, what a celebration that will be.

2011-01-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

JOJOJoJo is now 6 years old. I can hardly believe it. Next year he will be in senior primary. How do I have a 6 year old?!! He is my sweetheart. He loves to cuddle with me at anytime. He will sometimes pull my arm until I get up & then he will take me to my bed to cuddle. Every morning he comes into my room to cuddle, it's the best wake up call. He is doing so well & we are so proud of him.

He loves to watch TV, so this is pretty much his favorite spot in the house. We have a loft upstairs with a TV for him, but one day he brought down the DVD player to watch his shows downstairs. I think he wanted the better TV & to be around the family more. So now we get to watch JoJo's movies all the time!!! LUCKY US!!

You may of noticed in all of these pictures he has no clothes on. He hates to wear clothes, the minute he gets home from school he strips down. I don't blame him, I love to be comfortable too, but it's becoming a real problem! I've got to break him of this habit before he gets too much older.

2011-01-09T13:44:00.001-08:00

Gracie Poo!

I'm a little obsessed, can you tell why? I can't get enough of her.

You will always find them playing with each other. Gracie loves her big brother & John loves his little sister (don't mind the snot face).

She has been out of control fast at everything. She started crawling just around 5 months & at 6 months was crawling up the stairs. You take your eye off her for 2 seconds & she is half way up. How can I stop her from growing up? I just want her to stay my baby girl forever.

She is our princess & we love her so much.

2011-01-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

John is a SUNBEAM!

I still can't believe it, John is now a sunbeam in Primary. He loves every second of it & totally participates during sharing time. He is the cutest. Today he came home with this crown that said "my family loves me." So true, we love our John Bear. What would our family be like without him? He brings so much personality and he has a facial expression for everything. He definitely entertains us all. His baby sister is totally smitten with him, she thinks he's the coolest boy in the whole world. He is JoJo's protector he always makes sure his "brother" (that is what John calls JoJo) is doing what he is supposed to. John loves to play with JoJo even if he doesn't play back. JoJo loves John. The other day JoJo put his arm around John & I wish I had a camera to capture his face. He was so proud. John doesn't get a lot of affection or attention from JoJo so when he did John was ecstatic. He sure loves his brother & JoJo loves him. It makes me tear up a lot thinking of the love John has for JoJo & how he tries so hard to protect him. If I tell him we are going somewhere he will always ask me if "brother" is coming too. Like he can't say yes unless he is coming. I just love him & couldn't think of our family without him. John, your crown is right, your family LOVES you so much!!!

2011-01-02T17:07:00.001-08:00

Happy 2011!

Goal for this year......

"Do your best & be a little better then you are."

Gordon B. Hinckley

My Friend Jess posted this quote a while back & I can't get it out of my head. I love it. Todd & I decieded to make it our family motto for this year. I have lots of goals set & if I follow this motto I'm bound to have a good year.

2011-01-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

Meet Gracie's Friend Rosco!

This is my Mom's dog Rosco & my kids LOVE him, even Gracie. He really does think he is human & just one of the kids. Gracie loves to play with him.

2011-01-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

The King!

2011-01-02T16:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010 was probably the best yet. It was so much fun with John being SO excited for Christmas. He came into my room so many times throughout the night ready to see what Santa brought him. I kept saying we can't go down until it's light outside. Finally it became somewhat light & he stormed into my room in John style & pointed to the window. He was READY. It was the cutest & so fun to have someone so excited for Christmas. I think JoJo was excited too, he just shows it differently. He even opened his own presents this year, what a blessing. Gracie even loved Christmas. She loved crawling, & eating as much wrapping paper as she could. After we opened all the presents, I got busy making a Christmas breakfast. We had my mom & Dad over for breakfast so they could see the boys with their new toys. It was the best Christmas to date.

My 2 excited little boys, well at least 1 very,very, excited boy. Ready to see what Santa had brought him.

This is what it looked like on Christmas morning, before the madness began.

JoJo had fun too, he even opened up this own presents this year & is already a pro on his new scooter. Still not very impressed but progress!!!

This was one HAPPY little boy Christmas day. He was shacking as he was opening his first present he was so excited. It really was the funnest to see him so excited. He loved everything about Christmas & we LOVED watching him.

Gracie girl slept through the festivities but loved her new little toy. What a pure blessing she is. We can't get enough of her.

2010-11-25T07:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey Day!

2010-11-25T06:46:00.001-08:00

Halloween 2010The best picture we could get with our little monsters

Gracie was the cutest pirate around. I got her costume at build a bear!

Daddy made me put a shirt under her, I thought it would be cute with a little midriff showing.

Mr. Incredible! Actually he was Dash, but he told everyone that he was Mr. Incredible.

John LOVED Halloween. It's so fun to see his excitement about all the holidays. John LOVES a good a PARTY!!

JoJo the Chef!

Not to thrilled about it, but still was a really good sport & I think the cutest chef around!!

2010-11-24T19:09:00.001-08:00

Grace Valerie Runyan

I know, it's been over a year since I blogged but as we are approaching Thanksgiving, I'm reflecting on so many things I am grateful for. One of the greatest blessing to happen to us this year is the birth of our first baby girl Gracie. She has been a blessing in so many ways & I can't picture our life without her. It's so fun to have a little girl. Here are some newborn pictures, she is now 6 months, but I wanted to document these.

Gracie girl, is what we call her, she is named after my Great Grandma Gracie, & my mom Valerie. One of my best friends (aka Sister Biggy) is named Valerie so we like to say that too. I can't think of better women to be named after.

She was born on May 10th, 2010 at around 9 in the morning. Everything went perfect, just like her. She weighed 8Ibs & was 21 inches long

We are just thrilled to have Gracie in our family, John is so sweet with her & Jo Jo has taken a liken too. She has brought so much Joy to our life, it's just so fun to have her. We love her & can't imagine life without our Gracie Girl!!!

Ok, ok, ok I didn't last long!

2009-05-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I didn't last long not blogging. So here is my big debut on youtube!!! Todd and I were interviewed at the Defeat Autism Now conference in October, about bio-medical treatments & autism. Hope you guys enjoy. Dr. Levinson made a huge impact on me at my first conference in New Jersey about a year after JoJo was diagnosed. He told everyone to in vision your son or daughter better and have faith in a higher power & determination. He really impacted me that day, & I'm grateful for him for that.

Reversing Autism

2009-05-20T12:50:00.001-07:00

Goodbye for now!

2009-04-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

I'm going to have to give blogging a break for now. We finally moved out and haven't gotten the Internet which makes it hard to blog. I must say its been liberating & frustrating! So goodbye for now, its been so fun!

Biggest Loser!!!!

2009-03-07T16:31:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I'm SOOOO excited! My mom and brother Talan just tried out for the BIGGEST LOSER. They got in line at 7 am and were number 425, and got to see all kinds of past contestants. Seriously, I'm so jealous. I'm the biggest fan of the biggest loser and have watched it since season 1!!! Ok, so Talan got at call back!!! YEAH!!! He goes on Tues. for his second audition. I'm seriously so excited. Keep you fingers crossed for him. (sorry to say my mom didn't get a call back, although she is pretty excited she didn't. She just wanted Talan to get in.) My Mom & Tal waiting in line. .
Felipe from this season. I love him! My mom said Felipe & Sione were so nice to everyone.

My mom & Betty Sue. Can you say look alike! They even act alike.

My mom and Sione from this season too. Doesn't he look so good. Sione also went to Mesa High and was such a nice guy! I'm rooting for Sione & Felipe!!!

Kids & Dad = FUN!

2009-02-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

We look forward to the weekends so we can spend time with Daddy! Todd works two jobs and nights so the only time we get to see him is on the weekends. The kids love their Daddy.He always has a dirty face! I really can't get enough of him
climbing all over him!

So this is a huge step!! I told jojo to smile for the camera and he stoped and looked right at me and smiled!!!!! So exiting. (little, by little)

John & Daddy!

Can any face get any sweeter!

girls, girls, girls!!!

2009-02-28T07:22:00.000-08:00

So nothing is better then to spend time with girlfriends! I'm pretty sure we didn't stop laughing the whole 2 days. It was the funnest, thanks Sara for hosting it. The one thing I learned (besides many other things that will stay private!) is that one night is NOT long enough!!!! Next time we need at least 2 nights if not more. I was not ready to come home, and am counting down the days for the next one. While we were there we got to hear Sara sing at a benefit dinner. She was amazing like always. Is you haven't heard her sing you are missing out. I think the best part of it was Tori singing along to all the songs!
Nat & Holly! Nat was sick the whole time and was a trooper.

Me, Sara, Tori, & Becky

Us at Picasso's pizza!! The best bread I have ever had. They also have a great gluten free menu for all you autism moms!!!

Charity Charms!

2009-02-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Todd got me a Charity charm, & then for valentines day he finished it up with a bracelet to put the charm on. I think charity charms are the neatest things. 75% of the charity charm is donated pack to the charity that you pick. Of course I picked a puzzle piece and gave the donation to ACT today and organization that helps fund therapy's for family's with autism. It's the cutest charm and the cutest bracelet, I LOVE IT. They have so many cute charms to pretty much every charity organization. I absolutely love mine, it was the best present! Thanks Todd. I love you.

They come in this cutest box.
Here is my charm. So cute huh!

Look at the cute bag it came in!

http://store.charitycharms.com/

Christmas!

2009-02-28T06:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know it's almost March and I'm finally blogging about Christmas. I have been a serious slacker. So I tried to get these pictures in order but it didn't happen. Christmas this year was a lot of fun. John LOVED getting so many presents and had a blast. JoJo on the other hand wasn't so enthused about it. He wouldn't open up any present and didn't want to be in the room when we were opening presents. He warmed up later and came in. I'm hoping next year might be the year where he likes Christmas. John on the other hand loved everything about it. It's so fun to watch him get so excited. JoJo taking a ride on Johns new car!
John stealing JoJo piano & trying to ride his new lighting McQeen car.

John & and his new car. He loves it. He rides it all around the house, it's super cute.

Daddy bringing in the kids to see what Santa brought.

Todd made me this picture frame. I think he did a great job for his first time.

I am a Child of God

2009-01-06T16:44:00.001-08:00

Sunday, John came home from nursery with a crown that said, "I am a Child of God." He was so proud of it, and wouldn't let us take it off him. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all wear crowns like this, so we could remember who we really are.

Funeral Services for Kathy

2008-12-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

The viewing for Kathy will be held tomorrow,

December 30 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at

Bunker funeral home located at

Garden Chapel33

North Centennial Way

Mesa, AZ 85201

The funeral will be held the following day

Wednesday, Dec 31st

at 10:00am at the Mesa South Stake Center LDS Chapel

located on Southern in between Stapley & Hall

Kathy

2008-12-28T19:46:00.001-08:00

Kathy left this world yesterday the 27th at around 10:30 in the morning. She was surrounded by her children, family and close friends. She was truly amazing and a example in every way. This is a loss that will be felt forever. I loved Kathy, she was my mom's best friend and a second mom to me. I think back upon my life and can't think of anything that didn't involve Kathy and her family. I don't know what we are going to do without her. I feel so blessed to have had her in my life. I love you, Kathy. The Abney Family.

Families are forever they will all be together again, and what a reunion that will be.

Welcome Home Meg!

2008-12-24T10:01:00.000-08:00

Yippee Megan's home!!! Todd little sister Megan arrived home last night at 11:15 pm from serving a 18 month mission in Romania. She was such a inspiration while serving the Lord and the people of Romania. I just love her and her conviction for what is right. I hope I have a daughter like her some day. We are so glad we got our Meg back just in time for Christmas. That for sure is our favorite gift this year. We love you Meg and our so proud of you! Welcome home girl!

Watch Tonight!

2008-12-20T06:49:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20th Join Generation Rescue spokesperson Jenny McCarthy, co-founder JB Handley and president Stan Kurtz for a candid conversation with Larry King about autism.

The statistics are staggering:

every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed :

1:150 children are affected

1:96 boys

67 families a day receive a diagnosis

Now hear the facts tomorrow night as Larry King asks the tough questions on:
How to vaccinate while lowing the risk of children getting autism
How to effectively treat and prevent autism, ADHD and other neurological disorders and chronic illness

You can be part of the show. What do you think about what's being said? You can chat, ask questions, interact with guests, producers, even Larry!Go to Larry King Live BlogJoin us, Saturday, December 20th, 2008 6pm/9pm PST/EST on CNN.

After the show, Stan Kurtz and JB Handley will publish candid letters on how to lower your risks of having a child with autism and how families with autism can learn about treatments.

Following the show visit the Generation Rescue website for more information.________________________________________________________________________________________________
The team at www.GenerationRescue.orgemail: info@generationrescue.orgweb: www.GenerationRescue.orgphone: 1.877.98AutismGeneration Rescue is an international movement of scientists, physicians and parent-volunteers researching the causes and treatments for autism and mentoring thousands of families in recovering their children from autism.

Family Pictures

2008-12-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

Last month we had our family Pictures taken by the Fabulous Nat! It's not so bad to have a Best Friend that takes such great photos. She was so great with no stress, I didn't have to worry about my kids and knew she would totally understand. Loved it and we got some really great pictures from it. The only stress was the over sized navy shirt Jojo is wearing. He wouldn't put on the shirt we had gotten him so we had to improvise. Enjoy the pics and thanks again Nat or the great photos!

Holding Hands!!!

Made the Paper!

2008-12-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

I made the AZ Republic. Check it out! http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/2008/12/12/20081212gr-familyblogs1213.html

Thank You!

2008-12-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

It's OVER!!! And it was a HUGE success. Thanks to everyone who donated their things and time. We really have been blessed with amazing people around us, who set such great examples to me of service and love. I hope to be able to be more like them. I'm amazed and all my great friends and family who took time out of there busy lives to help us. It really means so much. We couldn't have done it without you.

Here are some pictures of Saturday, I couldn't find my camera for the other days, so I didn't get pictures of the others. ( for some reason these days I can't seem to figure out what the order of the pics are going to be so here they are in random order.) Who doesn't love Shep. He had a blast playing with all the kids too.

Todd and I with our fanny packs! Yup, that is right mine is bright green straight from the early 90's!

Todd loving it!

Tal and Jenn

Candace! Dressed to kill.

Nat helped everyday, she was AWESOME!

Loving being in the back of Uncle Talans truck.

(by the way thanks Talan now he wants in every ones truck!)

John looking HOMELESS! He pretty much was for the 3 days. He was in heaven with so many kids to play with.

JoJo loving swinging that Dino. It was massive!

And it's over!

Special Thanks to.... My Mom& Dad, Todd, Nat, Stacey, Barb, Heidi, Jill, Holly, Shauni , Jenn, Candace, Talan, Darin, Travis, Ryan, Anney, Sis McClaws, Sandy, Karen & Ted,everyone that donated & so many more! Thank you so much!

Reminder

2008-12-01T05:56:00.000-08:00

*Just a reminder for JoJo's garage sell this weekend.(Friday & Saturday) It's going to be at my parents house, located across the street from Mesa High. (Southern & Hall)

*Also we are still collecting anything you guys don't want. You can drop it by my parents house or give me a call and we will come pick it up. (480-242-1931)

*Thanks for every ones support, We love you!

Thank You!

2008-11-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the nice person who sent me a gift card to Ann Taylor Loft. That really was the sweetest thing and meant so much. I wish I could do a better Thank You but the person didn't leave a name. Thanks again, it was SO fun!

Welcome to Holland

2008-11-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share an e-mail I was given by my good friend Megan. She sent it to me last year after one of my bawl sessions t o her. It's really hard to express the way I feel about having a son with autism but this little story sums it up perfect.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND
byEmily Perl Kingsley.
c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Noah & Jill Halloween Party!

2008-11-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

It was so fun to finally live in AZ so we could attend Noah & Jill's Halloween Party. They did one amazing job. The theme was HOLLYWOOD so Todd and I decided to dress up as Joy and Crab Man from the show "My name is Earl" It was so fun dressing up and Todd was a good sport about it all. I wish I had pictures of everyone else there was some great costumes.Crab Man & Joy!
I loved shopping for Joy, it was so fun!

My tummy said "Karma Sucks".

The happy couple!

Halloween 08!

2008-11-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Halloween 08! ( I thought I had put the pics in order but o-well) This year John was Super Man and JoJo was a football player and Todd and I were Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carey (notice the green your vaccines t-shirt) We had a lot of fun trick or treating. JoJo loved it and John just wanted to push the stroller. After hitting some houses in the neighborhood we headed to Todd's sisters house Stacey for some Halloween Fun! Here are some of the pictures of the night.John & Me

JoJo ready to trick or treat!

So he hated the black on his face so he smeared it everywhere. So he was a football player after the game!

The Family!

Nat the Swedish Milk Maid!

Jim & Jenny!

Super Man and his Daddy!

JoJo after the game!

SUPERMAN!

TRICK OR TREAT!

Love him!

Halloween Carnival

2008-11-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

Every year our neighborhood puts on one fabulous Halloween carnival. This is one of the things that I really missed when we lived in NY. It's so fun to go and see so many people you haven't seen is so long. Although most of the night was chasing after my kids we still managed to have fun. John dressed up as Superman and JoJo was Buzz light year.Here are my cutest Super Hero's!

DAN Conference!

2008-10-26T13:57:00.001-07:00

This weekend Todd and I headed to San Diego for the Defeat Autism Now conference. It was awesome as expected. Although I had to miss my 10 year high school reunion it was well worth the trip. Here are some of the highlights! Todd and I ate lunch and this cute little restaurant right across from crystal cove.
We met up with my good friend Amy from college. It was so fun to catch up.

Todd and I at Crystal Cove in La Jolla. The sea lions were so fun to watch.

The first night we got there we headed straight to Old Town Mexican Cafe to meet Sarah and Garrett for some good dinner. It was great to be able to see them again and catch up. They were are good friends from Ithaca.

Me at the conference. I put a picture of JoJo under my name tag so everyone could see my sweet boy.

Me and Julie Mathews. She is the author of Nourishing Hope. She is just amazing and knows so much about nutrition. She taught a cooking class and made some great things. I had my first taste of liver ( although it wasn't that bad I won't be having it anytime soon)

These are my girls from LIFE! Dawn is JoJo's AMAZING feeding therapist and Terry is just one AMAZING mom! It was so fun to be with them there. They are warriors.

Me and my Huby loving the conference.

AND THE GRAND FINALE!!!

JENNY!

Jenny showed up at the conference so I got here to sign her new book for me and take a quick picture. That was SO fun. And if you haven't read her new book MOTHER WARRIORS you guys really need to go get it. Its amazing and I loved every minute of it. I just LOVE her! She is really working hard for us MOMS!!!

Zoo Walk for Autism

2008-10-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was the Zoo Walk for Autism. It was really a lot of fun and the kids had a blast. Here are some pics of the day. Special thanks to Natalee, Meda, Vanessa, Shalae, & Noah for joining TEAM JOJO! Ready or not here we come!!
Nat and Meda.

My Boys!

Nat and I ready to go!

Todd and JoJo in front of the rhino. I love this picture of JoJo.

Me and my cute boys.

Sweet.

having fun on the carousel.

Nat and Meda enjoying the ride.

John Bear. (Don't you love the clean face)

Sweet JoJo.

Yet another Garage Sale!

2008-10-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

We are having another garage sale to benefit our little boy JoJo and his journey with Autism. So here we are again asking for anything you don't want. Just drop it by my Mom's house or give me a call and we will come pick it up. Last year with the help from the garage sell we were able to begin bio-medical treatments, and ABA therapies that have helped JoJo so much. We hoping to be able to continue his treatments and therapies and see even more progress. The garage sell is going to be the first weekend in December. So if your cleaning out for the holidays remember that we want anything that you don't. More info to come!

Happy Birthday Todd!

2008-09-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Todd turned 27 on Thursday. Once again I love when he has a birthday because for a few months we are only 1 year apart. I thought I would post a few pictures of him when he was a little boy. He really was so cute and looks so much like little John. Todd loves to go grab these pictures when people think that John looks like me to show them that they are wrong. Have fun looking at BABY TODD!

I love this one. It looks just like little John when he is crying. So cute. Just wanted to wish Todd a Happy Birthday and let him know how much me and the boys LOVE him. He is such a loving and supportive husband and a wonderful DAD. Our boys love him. He takes JoJo and John swimming every night and is always trying to teach them things. He is a man of great integrity and I love him so much. Happy Birthday!

ZOOWALK! Go Team JoJo!

2008-09-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

Don't Miss the ZOOWALK for AUTISM RESEARCH! It is Saturday October 18. This is a great event for families and helps a great cause. After the walk you can spend as long as you would like at the ZOO! Unlike other walks this one is on Saturday! We have a set up a Team JoJo for anyone that would like to walk for him. All the proceeds go to autism research.

Here are the details...

*6:30 am to 9:00 am registration at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, SW corner of Van Buren and Priest in Tempe (0.5 miles from Zoo)

*The Zoowalk will cover 1.1 miles on an easy paved path, with some shade and places to stop and view the animals.

*It is ideal for strollers, wheelchairs and wagons.
(no bikes, skateboards, or roller blades, please).

*After 9:00 am, walkers may continue to walk around the zoo as they like (free admission with Zoowalk bracelet).

For more info go to...https://www.ariautism.com/zoowalk/phoenix/index.html

JoJo

2008-09-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

JoJo

I thought I would write a quick update on my sweet boy JoJo. One of the biggest accomplishments is that he no longer has a BINKY!!!! Can you believe it? I really can't. I would have never had the guts to take it away from him since he LOVED it so much and it helped calm him when he was having a melt down, but good things for Dads! Todd made it happen and JoJo really didn't miss it all that much. He would take me to where we kept them but I would just tell him that he was big boy now and didn't need one. It's been about 2 months and still no Binky and I have to say that is a HUGE accomplishment for my little guy.

Another one is he no longer gets to watch his little TV or DVDs. He was obsessed with his little DVD player and would replay the same part about million times and stem like crazy. The Dr saw him do that and told us that it had to stop now. Of course Todd was there so he made that happen too. He gets to watch TV but its limited and doesn't get to watch anything that he can rewind. That is such a huge accomplishment. He has explored so much more, getting into everything and anything. (I have to admit I miss his TV a lot of the time) but I know this will help on his road to get better.

Another huge accomplishment is that he can swim all on his own!!! He is good at it too. Move over Micheal Phelps JoJo is coming.

JoJo also has started Primary and is doing well. Thanks to his sweet teachers the Gornicks who make sure he is happy & calm him when he isn't.

We have been SO blessed in so many ways and know that the Lord is really looking out for our sweet boy and our family. So the hard days you can get through knowing that the Lord is blessing us. JoJo still has no words, but I know someday I'm going to hear the sweetest things come out of his mouth. John has passed JoJo a lot in his skills and that is really had to watch, but I know it will come in time. JoJo has the sweetest disposition about him and he really is a joy to be around. I'm really lucky to be is Momma.

Just some pics

2008-09-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would post a few pictures of my cute boys.John LOVES to brush his teeth. He gets right up on his step stool and brushes away.
His older brother, not so much. He HATES it and when we actually make him brush and this is how it has to be done. Actually when it comes to JoJo this is how many things get done. I wish life could be a little easier for him.
We took a trip to the mall to let the boys play. Here is John having fun and looking to see if everyone is looking at him. He LOVES attention.
In-N-Out have gluten free fries. We probably go everyday. JoJo only eats a few things and this is one of them. We are in a new feeding therapy and are hoping to branch out and get some good things down him.

John enjoying them too.
My boys love to go on walks, I'm getting really excited about the nice weather coming.
JoJo having fun at the mall.
John throwing fit.

I just had to post this picture. I know he is crying but I think he looks so stickin cute.

Love her!

2008-09-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so a lot of you guys know that I love politics. I'm a total nerd, I listen to talk radio in the car and watch the news when I'm at home. I have to say I was not excited about this election at all, but that all changed when Senator McCain chose Sarah Palin to be his VP! I hope everyone was able to hear her speech tonight at the republican convention. She was amazing!!! She is the type of change I can believe in! She has a little downs baby, and in her speech she talked abut what a blessing it is to have him in there family. She also talked to us families with special needs children and said we can count on her to be our friend and advocate in the white house. I totally teared up when she said that. We need her fighting for our special ones. Sarah Palin has my VOTE!

5 YEARS!

2008-08-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Five years ago we were doing this....Hard to believe it's been five years, and then sometimes its hard to believe it's only been five years. The best decision I ever made was to marry Todd. He is my rock and I love him so much. Happy Anniversary.

John's mornings.

2008-08-15T10:28:00.001-07:00

I thought I give you all a little preview of John's mornings. I take Jo Jo to school before John wakes up so my parents watch him until I get home. Here is what a morning in the life of John looks like. *DISCLAIMER: remember when I said I leave before he wakes up. I'm not the one dressing him or putting strange hats on him.

Something about a little boy sleeping in his Buzz Light year PJ's that makes it so cute.
He always has to take his lawnmower around the whole house and get all his grass cut. It's such a fun sound.
Getting a ride with Uncle Ted

Checking the garden with Gramps. He gets to outside with Grandpa every morning and be his little helper.
Learning how to spray the water.
Learning how to drink the water.
Making poor Grandpa take him on several walks. He stands and the front door and cries until he will take him. He has his Grandpa wrapped around his little finger! By the time I get home with JoJo, John has had the funnest day. I'm so lucky I have such great parents who love my kids. A lot of times I'm going until like 2 in the afternoon taking JoJo to different therapies and Dr appointments so it's such a great feeling to know that he with people that love him and make his day so fun. John has gotten so big all the sudden and can do some many new tricks. He can point to his nose, gives kisses, drinks from a cup, points to things and say's "this", he's just growing so fast and is so fun. WE LOVE JOHN JOHN!

Always fun when Megan's is in town!

2008-08-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

It's always fun when Meg comes to town. Every time Megan comes to town you know your weekend is going to be full of girl nights out and fun! We started out Thursday morning at 7:45am at hair do giving me a cute haircut. Then it was off to Kim's that night to watch the season finale of SYTYCD. Where I fell in love with the cutest little doggy and had the best brownies of my life. The next night we had a little girls night out and enjoyed great food, fun shopping, and more talking. The next night we had to say goodbye to Meg so went to Z-Tejas for one last outing and then dropped the tired girl off at the airport. We love Meg, already miss you

Decor Uniques New Blog

2008-08-02T19:11:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to announce that Decor Unique has just started a blog. They are going to update it with different ways they have framed art, info on decorating and framing, what customers have to say, and lots of great info. Everyone take a look at decorunique.blogspot.com and you can also visit the website at http://www.decoruniqueart.com/

Oh the memories!

2008-07-29T10:09:00.001-07:00

I've seen this on a few blogs and think it is so fun. Give it a try!

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you

Saying Goodbye to Grandpa Kunz

2008-07-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today we buried my sweetest, cutest Grandpa Kunz. He died Monday peacefully in his sleep and we had his the funeral today. I was so looking forward to the funeral to celebrate the great life of my Grandpa. It was also so nice to be with all the family. I was excited to hear his life story and to remember what a great life he had lived. It was sad to say goodbye, but I know its only for a short time and we will be reunited. Here are a few pictures of my sweet Grandfather, Milton Miner Kunz.Wasn't he handsome.
I love his smile in the picture. He was always upbeat and happy. When you asked him how he was doing he would always say "I'm fit as a fiddle."
Here he is with my Grandma BettyJo. He loved her so much and they really were such a example of true love. I can only imagine the happiness on Monday when they were finally reunited in heaven. My Niece Chole sang the 1940's jazz song "At last" and it was so fitting. At last they are with each other.
This is the Grandpa I remember. He had a twinkle in his eye.
Here we are at the cemetery in Globe saying are last goodbyes in this life.
Jo Jo and Daddy. I know he is looking down on us and will help us get through this life. We will miss him.

Hear The Silence

2008-07-21T15:37:00.001-07:00

Hear the Silence

Movie FundraiserMothers have questions about vaccine safety

what happens when doctors do too?

When:

Saturday, July 26

Times:

1:00pm & 7:00pm

Where:

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Grand Ballroom

2401 E. Camelback Rd.

Phoenix, AZ 85016

Cost:

$15.00 in advance or

$20.00 at the door

Go to www.phxautism.org/hearthesilence to buy your tickets and learn more about the event.

Defeat Autism Now Conference.

2008-07-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

Registration Begins July 15thDefeat Autism Now! Fall 2008 Conference
October 23rd-27th, 2008

Town and Country Resort500 Hotel Circle North San Diego, California 92108

Calling all Mom's with a child with autism to go to this conference. Seriously, I feel like it should be a must. I went to the one in New Jersey in April and will never miss another one. Go to the website at defeatautismnow.com and check it out. Make sure to check out the Angel fund too, it's set up for families who really want to go but can't afford it. Pass on the info to anyone with a child with autism, this conference is AWESOME!!!

JoJo is 4 on the 4th!

2008-07-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little boy is 4 years old. He has been such a sweet blessing in my life and I can't imagine my world without him. Here are a few pictures of JoJo on his birthday and the little BBQ we had for him to celebrate his birthday and the 4th of July.I just love his sweet little face.
Born on the 4th of July!
I think he new it was his birthday. He was happy all day and woke up that day at 4:30am ready to go.
We took him to Toys R US to pick out some videos and he was SOOOOO serious and so into finding the perfect ones.
Studying the videos he picked out.
We got him a trike too. He was working with his OT Meg in Ithaca with one so we thought it would be a perfect present. As you can see John was loving it.
JoJo, not so much. He was to into his new videos.
We made him go out and ride it though and I think he liked it.

Riding his new trike.
Me and my boy
JoJo and Daddy
John with his 4th of July shirt on.

John & Daddy
Happy 4th!
Yep, that is JoJo swimming all on his own. He can totally swim now. (doggy paddle)
John Swimming

The action shot. JoJo loves to jump to his Dad.
JoJo swimming again
John + Daddy

Make a wish JoJo! I know our wish came true 4 years ago. We love you.

JoJo is 4!!!!

2008-07-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

Lately

2008-07-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

OK, I know its been FOREVER since my last post. Now that I know how to download the pics I'll be back in business. Here are some things we have been up to since the last post & since we moved to AZ.Just Chillin with Daddy, and watching some TV.
Swimming, Swimming, and MORE SWIMMING. Both John and JoJo LOVE to swim so we go about 3 times a day. They just love it.
JoJo and Daddy loving the pool.
John in the pool. The boy doesn't tan, so I'm always stressed that he is going to burn.
Nat's little boy Shep a little girl Meda had there b-day party and this bounce play place and my kids had so much fun. Thanks, Shep & Meda!
JoJo LOVIN it.
John living up the kisses from Meda.

John and a ball.

Green the Vaccines Rally

2008-06-04T21:18:00.002-07:00

Today was the "Green the Vaccines, Too many Too soon" rally in DC. I'm more then sad that I wasn't able to attend and be a voice for my sweet boy JoJo. Since I wasn't able to be in DC my blog will have to do. Below are some videos from the rally. I hope we all raise our voice and be heard. Our Children deserve us to fight for them!

Celeb Couple to Lead 'Green Vaccine' Rally

2008-06-04T21:18:00.001-07:00

Love them!

June 4, 2008 Green Vaccine rally in Washington DC

2008-06-04T21:15:00.001-07:00

I really loved this lady and what she had to say.

Jim Carrey Speech at Green the Vaccine Rally P1

2008-06-04T21:14:00.001-07:00

Here is the first part of Jim Carry's speech. The video quality is really poor but you can hear the speech which is awesome!

Jim Carrey Speech at Green the Vaccine Rally P2

2008-06-04T21:13:00.001-07:00

the second part of the Jim's speech.

Phone found!

2008-06-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

I found my phone, so I'm back in service.

Cell Phone

2008-06-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

Hey, so I've lost my cell phone. I'm sure it's somewhere in my Mom's house but I've been to lazy to search for it. So if you need to get a hold of me call me at my Mom's or leave me a message on my cell phone and leave your phone number, I can still check my messages. One of these days I'll find it. John loves to take my phone and hide so it might take a while.

Andy The Bachelor

2008-05-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Anyone remember Andy the bachelor? Sadly to say I didn't watch that season of the bachelor so I was pretty embarrassed when he asked me if I knew his name, and I had to say no. When I walked past him I was like how do I know that guy and then I realized he was one of the bachelor's. So when I asked if he was I was right. It was pretty fun. As I was walking off his parents asked if I wanted a picture and I was like of course. He asked me who I was here for I had to break the news that I was married. He was super and nice and super cute. Although, I didn't like his outfit. It made graduation all that better.
Me and Andy and Jo Jo pulling me away from him.

Graduation 08!

2008-05-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

He who is BRAVE enough to reach for his DREAMS is always the first to ACHIEVE them. This is the quote that was on the card I gave Todd for graduation. So true, I'm Todd's biggest fan and have not doubt he will achieve his dreams. Today was one of those dreams full filled. Todd Graduated from Cornell University. He is finally graduated and it feels so good. It was a beautiful day for a graduation. We brought the kids and they were seriously perfect. Jo Jo sat on my lap the whole time. I think I'm still in awe. I'm really glad we brought them it was a fun family outing and they got to see their Daddy finally graduate! Grandma Barb took care of John during the graduation.
Me and my perfect boy Jo Jo
The graduates!
If you look hard you can see Todd and Gerrett
The graduate and his boys

The Grad and his family
Me and my guy!
Todd and his parents
Lexi, Sarah, and I. All of our hubby's graduated today, can you tell we are pretty happy!

Gerrett, Sarah, Todd, Jo Jo, and me. Todd and Gerrett were in the same major and had most of their classes together. We were the only undergrad married couple in our branch. We have become great friends with them, we love the Montgomerys
My hero, My Dad!
Todd and the guy giving him his diploma.
Shaking hands.

Gerrett, Todd and Ben. The graduates. The husbands of the Sarah, and Lexi.

Future Graduate!
John and his Daddy!

My Dad got really sick and so my Mom and Dad weren't able to make it to Todd's graduation. Just wanted to let them know how much we appreciate everything they do for us and know that without their love and support this wouldn't have been possible. We love you.

Ready for Summer!

2008-05-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

After Todd's graduation today we decided to give all the boys a summer time hair cut. I'm a total sucker for little boys with buzzes, I think they are adorable. It was really hard to cut off Jo Jo's curls but he still looks super cute.Right before we started buzzing
John totally liked it.
Todd was a little more hesitant. He doesn't think he looks good with a buzz but I love it on him.
Jo Jo was a whole other story. I think he will need therapy when he is older now.
I'm pretty sure I know how the mullet began. They gave up half way I can totally understand now.
Pure misery for JoJo
The finished product.
My cute boys are ready for SUMMER now!

JoJo's last day

2008-05-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Friday was JoJo's last day of school. I was a mess trying to hold back my tears the whole time. It's so hard to take him away from people who I know love him. He really has done some great things thanks to these great people at the Rackers center. He will wash his hands, dry them, brush his teeth, eat at a table, use pictures to request what he wants, he has learned how to ride a trike, take off his shirt, pants, socks, and shoes, and much more. JoJo really loves them.Here are some of this great teachers at a little party they had for him.
Trying to get him to smile.
This is JoJo's teacher Alisa
One of the girls in his class came and gave JoJo a big hug. Another cute little girl started to cry and said her heart hurt because Joseph was moving. It was so sweet.

The class is having a little party for JoJo and watching a movie.
More of the party
They got JoJo a present and this is him opening it.
They got him a Ithaca is Gorges shirt! So cute.

NYC

2008-05-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

We Just got home from the funnest trip to the city. It was the best. We had 2 nights and 3 days of fun with no kids!!! Thanks to the nicest and most generous Cathy and Newell Cooper we got to stay at the Marriott Marque right in the heart of time square. It was awesome, we were so close to all the shows and got to see time square right from our room. We couldn't have even imagined a better place to stay. My parents flew in a week early for graduation so they could babysit for us. It was so nice to be able to not stress out about our kids and how they were being taken care of. This was Todd's first trip to the city and he loved it too. There is something about NYC that is just amazing. The energy is awesome! We had the best time. Here are a few pictures of the trip. This is us at WICKED! It was awesome, we totally loved it.
Us getting in line for $25.00 student rush tickets for Legally Blonde.
Todd on the tour bus.
Todd at a memorial at for 911.
Todd & the Empire State building
Us on the tour bus
Me on the tour bus in time square

Us at the Legally Blonde show. It was SO good, I would totally recommend it. We had front row seats and it was so fun to be so close.
Todd and I on the Staten Island ferry
If you look really close you can see the statue of Liberty in the back.
Todd & a bridge We took a trip to the Temple and it was amazing. I think its the 2nd most beautiful temples next to Nauvoo. It was breathtaking.
Todd in time square after the the Legally Blonde show.
It wouldn't be a trip to the city without a stop at serendipity's for some food and a frozen hot chocolate.
And yes, Todd did partake! He even loved it.

8 days!!

2008-05-18T16:05:00.001-07:00

The count down in on! 8 days and counting and I'll be back living in the great state of ARIZONA where the sun actually shines. I can't wait!

MMR

2008-05-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a graph of when the MMR was introduced and the rise in autism. Also right around the 1990's is when they began the new schedule and increased the immunizations. There has been a 6,000% increase in autism since the 1990's.

Happy Mothers Day, Mom!

2008-05-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

I believe I have the world's greatest mom. She is someone that everyone loves and loves to be around. She made our home a place of comfort for everyone. She has always been there for me in times of joy and times of heartache. I adore my Mom, and think the world of her. I hope you have the greatest Mothers day and I wish I could be there to celebrate with you. I love you!My Momma with John
Another pic of my Mom and John at Buttermilk falls.
G-ma and JoJo at the beach in Oceanside in the good old days. She loves her Grand kids and they LOVE her. I wish I could post fun pics of my Mom, maybe soon but since I'm stuck in Ithaca with an old computer and no scanner these will have to do.

Last Track Meet EVER!!!

2008-05-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Todd's last Cornell track meet EVER!! Can you believe it, he is officially done with college sports, and I can't wipe the smile off my face. Ever since I have known him he has been playing sports and now it's all over. I know Todd will miss it but me and the kids are just so excited to get to see him a little more. It's been so fun to have him home before eight at night. I think he is a little lost but he will get used to it. So here are some pictures of Todd at this last outdoor track meet.Todd after the race was over.
Me and Todd! This was after the race, can you tell I'm really happy!!!!
Todd and Jeremy. Jeremy is also from AZ and leaves on his mission this Summer. He's been like a little brother to us and makes a great babysitter. We love him.
Getting warmed up.
Still getting warmed up.
Ready, set, ....
Just kidding, I made him pose for some pictures after the race. Doesn't he looks cute. I can't believe it's all over, I'm thankful for the opportunities that sports have brought Todd and our family and have enjoyed watching him play. But I'm SO ready to close that chapter and begin a new one.

Girls Trip

2008-05-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

Jody, Mel, and I decided to leave the kiddos behind and take a quick trip to Syracuse for the night. Mel is about to move to NYC for the summer and I only have 23 days until I move back to AZ. (not that I'm counting) Jody is actually staying in Ithaca, her hubby got a great job at Cornell so they couldn't pass it up. We thought we needed to get away before we had to say goodbye. I love these girl. They are how I survived this year.This is us in the Syracuse Mall. It was just fun to actually be in a real mall again.
This is us at the movies. We saw "Made of Honor". It was OK, not my favorite but a good movie for just girls.
Melanie with Patrick
Jody with Patrick
And me!
Mel and Jody in our hotel room. It was a total nice hotel. Thanks Jody for finding it. I had a great time, I wish we could have stayed longer. I'm really going to miss you guys. Thanks for everything.

Mels kids

2008-04-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

Today I watched my friends Melanie's kids. It was a lot of fun and John loved every minute of it. I decided to make this a post since I was sick of just seeing my post with no pictures. Joseph missed out on the fun he was still at school.I decided to have a picnic in the family room. Mel made her kids lunch so I had to make John the same. He was in heaven feeling like a big boy with the other kids. One thing I learned if you turn a movie on for them they aren't interested in eating. I'm a total sucker though and will do whatever they ask me to do. So pretty much we ate popcorn and watched Madagascar.
Little miss Haley is so stickin cute. She talks so much which makes my chin drop every time. I guess that is normal but man every time I hear a little kid talk I think it's such a miracle. She is only two and talks like a pro in the sweetest little voice. Seriously, she would get away with murder with me with her sweet voice.

Never to Late.

2008-04-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

I found this story as I was reading the ARI (Autism Research Institute) newsletter and it really touched me. These parents never gave up on their battle to get their son better. I loved the determination of them. If you know someone that a has a child with autism pass this story along to them and tell them to never give up hope. I pray everyday that I won't.

Parent Letters: It's Never Too Late for an Older Child By Melinda Alleyne
Our son's story is typical of so many.

Joshua developed normally until his vaccinations at 18 months
old, when he rapidly spiraled out of control. Within three days,
our son was lost to us. Our once sweet and loving boy was
replaced by a child who no longer wanted us to touch him - who
now screeched, banged his head, giggled for hours, and wouldn't sleep longer than two hours, ever. Sadly, Joshua no longer liked his favorite toys, preferring now to sit and rock, or run wildly around in circles. His sweet disposition was replaced with violent seizures.

For months we muddled through life looking for answers on our
own. We tried everything we knew to try and recover our son,
praying that as he got well, he would get better--but little help
was available back in 1994. At best I got sympathetic looks from doctors that mostly said it all: "Give it up lady, no help is out there for your child. You just have to learn how to accept it. He was BORN autistic - you just never saw the signs - it's just
coincidence - etc."

I never gave up hope.

Thankfully ARI existed and I got the privilege of talking with
and being encouraged by Dr. Rimland in those early days before he started Defeat Autism Now! At Dr. Rimland's suggestions, we tried a gluten-free, casein-free diet. We tried melatonin, vitamin B6 and magnesium, DMG, TMG and music therapy--the list could go on and on. We tried ABA, PECS, T.E.A.C.H. and good ole "discipline" to no avail.

We took Joshua to countless "specialists" across the nation, and
yet his seizures were relentless and his behavior was hideous. We spent thousands of dollars. He was evaluated at Keesler Air Force Base (home of the second-largest medical facility in the Air Force), at Emory Center for Autism, at the Judevine Center for Autism, at Philadelphia Children's Center for studies in
Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, etc., etc. We even tried taking our son to see Defeat Autism Now! physicians in their early formative years. Anyone remember IV Secretin for $700.00 a whack? Yes we did that too--twice a month for an entire year.
Joshua painstakingly improved through the years, but we were
constantly reminded that most of his improvements were minor, and our financial debt was great. He was grossly behind in all skills and was increasingly self-abusive, intolerably aggressive, and he remained without any functional language. He was still severely affected by autism.

At 14, we took Joshua to yet another doctor, just hoping he could help him to stop cutting himself. He was so severely lost in self-abuse that it wasn't uncommon for him to have gaping
pus-filled sores all over his skin. We decided to revisit the
Defeat Autism Now! concept of biomedical healing. We had tried this in its early years, eventually becoming discouraged with it as well because it didn't seem to be helping. But we were now desperate.

And this time, we got the miracle we had been praying for.
Day by day Joshua is returning to us. He now has functional
language (around 300 or more words). Just this past year he has learned to make his bed, clean his room, do household chores, ride his bike, skip, jump rope, do puzzles, and play games. Two weeks ago he played with the neighborhood children for the first time ever, while I watched and cried. He is learning to enjoy pastime activities that just a year ago would have gotten us hit had we even suggested he try them. Daily, he is becoming more a part of our family. He is learning to write, and his academic skills have soared these past few months. Joshua is making his own choices about things he wants to do and how he wants his room to look, for the first time ever.

Just as stunning are the things that Joshua is no longer doing.
He no longer makes spit pictures over all our windows in the
house. The walls of his room are no longer painted with his poop during the night. He no longer just lies around wanting to do nothing all day except rip up every book in the house. He no
longer fixates on certain movies, or on us all having to wear
shoes. All of his sleep and eating issues are now resolved. He no longer is self-abusive or aggressive. He is off all psychiatric
medicines and is being weaned from his seizure meds. He no longer self-stims constantly, and the hysterical giggling is gone. He is no longer severely affected by autism.

Every day is simply a new miracle. Our son is now mildly to
moderately affected by autism. And more healing comes with each and every day. I am just glad we never quit believing healing could and would someday happen. In my humble opinion, it is never too late.

Melinda runs on on-line support group for military families. She
can be contacted at livinfaith@yahoo.com.

2008-04-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

I'm not going private I just want to be added to every one's that is. I know that it's kind of presumptuous that I think you would actually want me to view your blog but hey I just that I would ask. I hate finding someone that I know and then finding out they are private.

Private

2008-04-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

For all you people that went private, add me to your list!! So if you are looking at mine I want to look at yours!!! nauvoochick@hotmail.com

Attention!

2008-04-25T06:38:00.000-07:00

You guys have got to check out this blog. It's truly amazing. It has herbal remedies for everything! I seriously want to cry I'm so happy. Place it in your blog list and check it all the time it will be worth it. Not to mention it was created by one of my favorite people in the WHOLE world. Jill Ostler Record. I had to through in her maiden name since she will always be Ostler to me. She was a mission comp of mine and I just absolutely adore her. She was actually the only sister I trained on the mission but I always say she trained me. She taught me so much about being truly Christ like. She is such a example to me and I love her. When she got home she studied herbs and aroma therapy. She's amazing and she just had her first little girl this year. Everyone check it out, its totally worth your time!

http://havensmama.blogspot.com/

Thank You!

2008-04-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a quick thank you to all
those that helped me out with my class survey.
We learned a lot of interesting things that were
pertinent in developing our business plan and I
believe that we had the largest response and in
the shortest amount of time. Thanks again,
I really appreciate your willingness to help.
-Todd

2008-04-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS
1 cup water
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 Tbsp. baking soda
20 drops of grapefruit seed extract Combine all ingredients in a large container. Then, transfer to a spray bottle with a pump. Spray mixture on produce, and rinse thoroughly after 5 to 10 minutes.

Go Green!

2008-04-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone was able to see the Oprah show today. It has some really helpful things that we all can all do to keep us and our children safe from all the toxins that are out there and also help our Earth. I really feel that Heavenly Father depends on us Mothers to protect our children and also our own bodies from harm. And out of respect to God I feel like we should all do our part in respecting the Earth that he created.
I loved this segment with Julia Robert and Sophie Uliano's and totally want to go buy her book, Gorgeously Green. She talked a lot about buying organic to help reduce the toxins and pesticides in our food. I think the best way to do that is to start our own garden. My Dad just started one and I can't wait to be able to partake. This way we know exactly what we are putting in our food. Also to be aware of the things we put on our bodies some of them are full of chemicals. One hint they said if you can't pronounce it, it's probably not a good idea to use. They also talked about a great way to prevent waste and help out your own garden. Go to Oprah.com and read all about it. They also had a great concoction for cleaning our food which I can't wait to try out.

Sophie Uliano's Veggie Cleaner Spray

1 cup water
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 Tbsp. baking soda
20 drops of grapefruit seed extract Combine all ingredients in a large container. Then, transfer to a spray bottle with a pump. Spray mixture on produce, and rinse thoroughly after 5 to 10 minutes.

I loved Sandie's bit too. I loved the all organic cleaning spray . I'm so going to do that. I've been buying Method but this sounds better and way cheaper.

Recipe for a great streak-free windows..

-3 tablespoons of vinegar

-1/3 of a teaspoon of pure liquid vegetable soap

-2 cups of water

Mix it up in a spray bottle and as Sandra would say it cleans your windows like crazy!

Does any one know of a good water bottle that isn't made out of plastic?

And most importantly if anything needs to get GREEN its the vaccines. Jim Carry is heading the rally in DC on June 4 to demand that they clean up the vaccines. I feel like this should be highest on the list of first priorities in the Green movement. Go to your legislature and demand that we clean up our vaccines. We need to make sure what we are injecting into our precious little ones are safe and not full of all the junk they put in them. I know I need to get a life but I can't help it. Go GREEN!!!

John's 1st B-day

2008-04-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

My baby is already 1! I really can't believe how fast this year has gone and how much JOY he has brought to our family. How thankful I am that John joined our family when he did. We are absolutely in love with this little guy. We started off his BIRTHDAY waiting for his daddy to get home from his track meet. We then went to Chili's to celebrate.
After filling our tummies we headed to Wal-Mart to find the perfect present. Is is just me or by the second child do you totally slack with the first birthday.
Then some father and son time. John adores his daddy and vise versa.
Look at those eyes! He was pretty excited to get started.
Yummy!
Tyring to get a pic with Big Brother JoJo. I even think Joseph is quite found of his little brother now too.
He got a push car buggy and loved it.

2008-04-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a website to go and see what vaccines still have thimerosal/ mercury. http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimerosal.htm#t3

*Also the only way to know for sure they are thimersoal free from your Doctor's office is to read the insert box, vial yourself.

*Make sure to be %100 positive before getting the shots.

A correction. Hep B can be spread by Blood. Example: Sharing needles, Blood transfusions, and sex. Still I don't feel that our newborns are at risk for this, unless the Mom's are positive.

Vaccines

2008-04-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

Please everyone read this article by Donald Miller, MD you can find it at http://www.generationrescue.org/pdf/user_friendly.pdf

Here is the a safer vaccination schedule I received from Stephanie Cave, MD the author of What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations. I don't personally like this schedule I think they start to soon, but for those you are anxious to get your kids vaccinated this is a safer one.

Vaccine Schedule
- Birth- Hep B (ONLY if mom is positive. This vaccine is very unnecessary unless your child is going to be sexually active at birth )
-4 months - Hib, IPV
-5 months--DTaP
-6 months--Hib, IPV
-7 months--DTap
-8 months--Hib
-9 months--DTaP
-15 months--Measles
-17 months--Hib, IPV
-18 months-- DTap
-27 months- Rubella
-24 moths Pneumovax
-30 Months-- Mumps
-4-5 years Varicella (chicken pox) This one is really unnecessary too, and always check the child to see if he/she is already immune to it.
-4-5 years Hep B series, again this is for sexual active people

Here is the schedule that I like... This recommendation was written by Donald Miller, MD who is cardiac surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle and one of the members of the Doctors for disasters preparedness. Here is the link to the article that he wrote I hope everyone will read. It is well worth your time. http://www.generationrescue.org/pdf/user_friendly.pdf

1. No vaccinations until a child is 2 years old

2. No vaccines that contain thimersol(mercury)
3.No live virus vaccines (except for small pox if it should reoccur)
4. These vaccines, to be given one at a time, every 6 months beginning at age 2
*Pertussis
*Diphtheria
*Tetanus
*Polio

Did you Know....
* we give the same amount of a vaccine to a newborn that we would give to a full size adult. One size fits all is ridiculous. Why do we have to give different amounts of medicine for different ages but when it comes to vaccines it doesn't matter??????

*The Flu vaccines still have a full dose of mercury in it. I find it interesting that Doctors encourage us to get the flu vaccine while we are pregnant but discourage us to eat fish while pregnant to prevent us getting any mercury. Does that make sense???
* Children who delay vaccinations by 2 months cut their risk of asthma by ½ according to (Kozyrskyj, University of Manitoba)

* What are in the vaccines???(Mercury, Aluminum, viruses, bacteria, formaldehyde, MSG, HCL, Antibiotics, Human, Cow, Chicken, Guinea Pig, Monkey tissue/serum, Yeast, and Egg)

* The current schedule requires 36 vaccines by the time a child is 6 and the majority are given to the children by the age of 15 months compared to 1983 when children received 10 vaccines in the same time period.

*7 Vaccines injected into a 13lb two month old infant is equivalent to 70 doses in a 130 lb adult.

*50 years ago when immunization schedule contained only 4 vaccines, autism was virtually unknown

* Type 1 diabetes went from 1 in 7,100 children in the 1950's to now 1 in 480

* The CDC has not done any long term studies to see if vaccine schedule is safe

* US government has paid out more then $11.5 billion in vaccine injury compensation

FYI

Hannah Poling Case: Government Concedes that Vaccines causes her autism. Here is a link to a article about the case. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/government-concedes-vacci_b_88323.html By the way Hannah's father is a Doctor and graduated from John Hopkins medical school.

Here are some tips I found on taca.orgs website. (talk about curing autism)

1. Do not vaccinate newborns. When you are ready to vaccinate – check into a slower vaccination schedule that may work for your family, address your concerns, and achieve public health policy slowly.
2. Avoid re-immunization with a vaccine after a previous bad reaction.
3. NEVER vaccinate ill children or children recovering from an infection.
4. Space vaccines - do not give multiple vaccines in 1 day.(THAT INCLUDES single vaccine doses that have multiple viruses! Split them up!)
5. Use single-dose vials from which to draw up the vaccines as opposed to multiple-dose vials which provide less uniform dosage.
6. Use inactivated polio. (the shot, not the drops)
7. Give RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances) of Vitamin C before and after vaccines
8. Give a natural form of Vitamin A ( cod liver oil ) to keep RDA's at level at all times for the age.
9. Separate the MMR into 3 doses: start with measles at 12-15 months, then mumps at 18-21 months, rubella at 24-27 months.
10. Do not give live virus vaccines to immunodeficient children.
11. Do not give vaccines if allergic to any of these components:i. Yeast - Hep B ii. Eggs - MMR iii. Neonycian - MMR or Varicella
12. Hold off on the Varicella until 10-12 years and if the child is shown not immunity to Chicken pox.
13. Check vaccine titers before giving boosters (Most people are immune after one dose. We continue to get multiple doses that MAY NOT BE NEEDED. Have them check antibody levels via titres blood test.)
RECOMMENDED READING:
These recommendations are based on great books for all parents/grandparents:
• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinationsby Stephanie Cave, MD (paperback, September 2001)
• The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child (Sears Parenting Library), by Robert Sears, (paperback, 2007)
• Evidence of Harm by David Kirby
• Additional reading on this important topic can be located at the Autism Research Institute: www.autism.com/ari.

* Another great web site with the latest research papers can be found at www.generationrescue.org

OK, guys I'm done. I know I went on and on and probably bored a lot of you. But I beg you to research and study and do what YOU feel is right for your child. If your Doctor does not agree and threatens to kick you out if you do not go by their schedule it's time to find a new Doctor. Don't let them bully you. You are in control to what happens to your child, they do not have the intuition that us Mothers have which I believe is stronger then anything in this world. I feel if we always went by what we felt was right & listened to our inner voice/ Spirit we would be right on. Listen to that voice and don't let me or anyone else persuade you otherwise.

Kathy

2008-04-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write a quick post to have you all keep Kathy and her family in your prayers. We all know the power of prayer and know it works. Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of months ago, but the cancer was aggressive and has spread to other parts of her body. If anyone needs our prayers it's Kathy and her family. I love Kathy so much, she is my second Mom. She has always been there for me and I can't imagine a life without her in it. Please remember her in your prayers.

Defeat Autism Now Conference!

2008-04-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend I attended DEFEAT AUTISM NOW conference in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Can I just say that for anyone that has an autistic child this should be a mandatory conference, I would even go as far as saying parents with a typical child would benefit greatly from this conference. It was amazing. I learned so much about the importance of diet, I learned about toxins in the environment (which is frankly just plain scary), I learned about the dangers in Vaccines and how to implement a safer schedule, supplementation, how ABA is so important for a child with autism, and was able to talk to so many other parents who like I was forced into this world of autism. The whole time I was there I would just think about the millions of other mothers who weren't hearing this. I wanted to call everyone I knew and scream from the roof top that there is something we can be doing, there is hope, and children have gotten better. I'm so grateful to my parents for funding my trip and of course Todd for taking care of the kiddos while I was gone. It was amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone with a child with autism.Yes, I got to visit with Jenny. She only said the "F" word twice in our conversation. So, she has a potty mouth but I love her anyways. She is on a mission to inform the world about autism and the risks that are out there. LOVE her! ( Also, don't you love her hair. I totally want that haircut)
Yup, she signed my book. It was a really long day so sorry about the ugliness. I would leave the hotel at 8:00 am and not get back until 10:00pm. The days were long but I didn't want to miss a thing.
All the great info I have to read up on. LOVE IT!

FYI: I hope everyone was able to watch Larry King Live the other night. It was awesome. Please look into implementing a safer vaccination schedule, this is something that needs to be done. I could go on and on about the affects of so many vaccines at such a young age but I'll spare you. If you would like to know more e-mail me and I'll send some info. Don't be fooled when they say vaccines are safe. Let me leave you with what they put in them:

*Mercury & Aluminum
*Viruses, Bacteria
*Formaldehyde
*MSG
*HCL
*Antibiotics
*Human, cow, chicken, guinea pig, monkey, tissue/serum
*Yeast and egg

Does this sound safe to you??? I am a believer in vaccines and I do think we need them. But lets demand better and a safer schedules. Get you child vaccinated by the age of two is ridiculous and DANGEROUS. Have you ever looked at the list of vaccines we give our kids ? The list goes on and on. Ten years ago we gave 10 shots by the age of 5. Sounds safer to me. Common sense people!!!!

Just one more thing. Sorry. The FDA recorded that 0.1 MCG/KG/Day is safe level of organic mercury. The DTap, Hib, Hep. B total 62.5 mcg this exceeds all "safe" levels combined for a 5 kg infant. Pretty scary stuff.

I NEED YOUR HELP-TODD!

2008-04-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

I am finally graduating in MAY!
But of course I made my
last semester the hardest.
I need all the help I can get for my business class
by people filling out a quick 3 minute survey
about their exercising preferences and habits.
I spend way too much time on this class,
so if you can help me by doing the survey,
I might actually graduate in May.
Just follow the link below or cut and paste it into your browser.
Tell EVERYONE you know to do it too because the more the better!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=JkdPgu_2fhJYqE0NqS1qpTrQ_3d_3d

I very much appreciate any help I can get. THANKS!
-TODD

Easter

2008-03-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Easter! John in his Easter jacket looking smooth and cute! He walks all over the house with this walker. He doesn't like to crawl but since he can't walk he has become a master of the walker.
JoJo got the new BEE movie from the Easter Bunny

John also enjoyed treats from the Easter Bunny
Yummy!
Every time I look at John he makes me smile. He has so many facial expressions.

JoJo looking for Eggs
Yes! He picked the egg up all on his own.
John even joined in on the fun, actually it was freezing and none of us wanted to be outside but it was Easter and we were going to hunt for eggs.
John and his Egg!

Visit with the Ash's

2008-03-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

On the way back to Ithaca, we stopped by Jordan & Katie's to say hi. Jordan and I have been good friends since Jr high and I'm just so proud of the guy he turned out to be. (not that we didn't all know he would be great!) It was so fun to visit and get to see their life in Baltimore. It's crazy to think we are old enough to have families and so fun to see Jordan as a Dad. I absolutely LOVE Katie, Jordan was a lucky guy to get her. Thanks for letting us relax at your house for a couple of hours it was so fun. We love you guys!

Just the 4 of us!

2008-03-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Just the 4 of us headed to DC this weekend for our first official family vacation. We had so much fun. We got our hotel room for $38 a night! It was awesome too. They had a pool so JoJo was in heaven. We really had such a good time.The start of the day. It was sunny outside so I thought it wasn't cold, I was fooled. It was freezing and I had left the coats in the hotel room. Big mistake.
Todd and the kids in front of the Washington Monument.
Us at the Washington monument and the Capitol in the background.
I love JoJo's face in this picture.
Me and JoJo in front of the Lincoln Memorial. This was my favorite spot.
Us and good old Abe. John was there too but the guy who took the picture cut him out.
What cute boys.
Eating at the Cheesecake Factory. I was in HEAVEN and our kids were great.

Us at the capital. Jennifer Gardner and Ben Affleck were there too with their daughter. Don't worry she said hi to me!! So fun.
The White house
The highlight of the trip for JoJO!! Todd would take him in the morning and when we would get home at night. He loved every second of it.
I love this picture. JoJo Loves Daddy!

Update on Cleanse

2008-03-19T13:49:00.001-07:00

OK, so I just ended the cleanse!!! YEAH!!! I ended a day early since we decided to spend the weekend in DC. I'm so excited to get the heck out of Ithaca for few days. Maybe see the sun, who knows. So I ended early since the book says it takes a few days to get your body ready to eat real food again, and since we were going to a big city with so many of my favorite restaurants I had to get my body equipped to handle it. Hopefully, I won't ruin everything that I just did in just 2 days. So, I would totally recommend the cleanse to everyone. I felt awesome on it. I had more energy on the cleanse then before. I thought I was going to be tired and starving all the time but it's not like that at all. I felt awesome, although by the end I was so tired of not eating, I just wanted to to chew food again. I'm not saying it's not hard but it's not as hard as you think it's going to be. A few tips if you are going to try it.

*Read the book, it inspires you so you won't give up.

*Drink the tea at night instead of herbal laxatives.

*Although I hated this the most make sure to drink the salt water in the morning, you will get the best results with the salt water.

Anyways, I'm hoping to do this cleanse at least once a year but for now I'm going to enjoy food again, in a healthier way. (does this include this weekend?? I'm on vacation right???) So my overall experience: POSITIVE!

Master Cleanse

2008-03-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

OK, call me crazy but I just started this master cleanse. It's a 10 day cleanse to help get rid of toxins and all the bad stuff that we build up in our body. A couple of years ago I would have thought you were crazy for doing something like this but now having a son with autism has really made me explore the body and how it effects us so much when we don't properly take care of it. I have been so sick all winter catching everything that is out there and I've finally decided to try this cleanse to see if it helps me feel better and keep feeling better. I've enjoyed reading this book and learning more about how our body needs to rid it's self from these toxins. I have been on a yeast/candida cleanse trying to get rid of all the yeast in my body so I thought it would be perfect to end that with this cleanse to make sure I get it all. Many people have yeast problems from years of antibiotics and eating foods that feed the yeast. Yeast can cause so much havoc to the body and by getting rid of it you can cure your self of many of your aliments. So really why I am posting this is so I have someone to account for. Since this isn't easy especially for someone who LOVES food, but I'm so sick of not feeling good. I'm ready to make the change. I have been off of bread and sugar for about 3 weeks with the yeast cleanse and am amazed how much better I feel. ( So I'm crossing my fingers and hoping I can make it 10 days. Today was pretty brutal, it took me about 1 1/2 hours to drink the salt water this morning. YUK! One day down 9 more to go!

Nat's 28!

2008-03-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

It's Nat's Birthday, lets shout HURRAY! Here a few pictures that I love of my BFF Nat. I wish I lived in AZ so I could get my hands on some really good ones, but I don't so these will have to do.As you can see Nat's beautiful and a amazing Mom!
She is LOVED by all her friends!
She was a Beautiful bride
Although, she is dressed up like this as a joke, I know secretly she wishes she could wear this swim suit. Both me and Nat love to be comfortable! I think we got if from our Moms.
I can't think of a childhood memory that doesn't involve Nat. We were always together and loving every minute of it. Most pictures of me when I was younger had Nat next to me.

Nat I hope you have a great Birthday, I wish I was there to celebrate! I love you and am so grateful to have you in my life. Miss you!